BRAKEing News

In a recent surprise brake inspection conducted by the
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), 14.2% - about 900 out of 6,337 – trucks were placed out-of-service
(ESI, 2015). This inspection didn’t stop with just brake, either:
other areas of the truck and possible violations were documented as well.

Approximately 9% of the trucks—570 of 6,337—had brake adjustment
violations and 7.7%—488 of 6,337—were put out-of-service for
brake component violations. Although both of these numbers are down from
last year, that still means a lot of trucks were operating on America’s
roads unsafely.

CVSA reports that inspectors will look for “brake-system components
to identify loose or missing parts, air or hydraulic fluid leaks, worn
linings, pads, drums or rotors, and other faulty brake-system components.”
Antilock braking system (ABS) malfunction indicator lamps and pushrod
stroke when applicable will also be checked.

If brakes in the vehicles are found to be defective or out-of-adjustment
the vehicle will be taken out of service. Last year, of the 12,305 vehicles
that were inspected 2,162 trucks – a little over 16% - were found
to have brake violations and placed out-of-service (ESI, 2015).

Having sued trucking companies on behalf of people injured or killed by
trucks that were not being safely inspected or maintained, this is an
issue near to my heart. Interstate trucking is a vital part of our nation’s
economy, and you cannot drive long on any highway without passing by the
large trucks. With the great risk they pose to the public—drivers,
passengers, people walking, biking, or crossing the street, even the often
over-worked truck drivers—comes a great responsibility for trucking
companies to inspect and maintain their big rigs safely.

I’m glad so many companies take the risks and responsibilities so
seriously. For the rest, let’s support the regulators in catching
them before they injure or kill another family, and the brave families
willing to fight back through the civil justice system after a potentially
deadly crash caused by an unsafe or unscrupulous trucking company.

Cleveland Personal Injury Attorneys

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